Page 63 of The Lost Melody

Because that’s what I am to Xav, the dead doctor, and everyone in Hidden Hills: a toy.

“Are ‘what ifs’ a good place for your mind to go?” Evelyn asks, and I shake my head.

“No, it’s not. It’s just hard to keep my mind from going there,” I confess.

We work on exercises to help me when I fall into these patterns of thinking before continuing.

“Have you spoken to the guys about any of this?” she asks and I shake my head.

Evelyn knows about the very interesting relationship I have with the guys. I don’t know what Orion and I are yet, but I heard him mutter ‘mine’ into my hair a few times, and I like the way it makes me feel.

“No… they’ll remind me of all the amazing things they see in me,” I chuckle, thinking about how that conversation will likely go. “I don’t know why I’m fixating on this. Roark, Turner, and Derek aren’t pushing for anything more than snuggles and kisses.”

“And… Orion?” Evelyn asks, her green eyes watching me from behind her glasses.

“We aren’t sexually involved… yet,” I smirk. “It’s kind of confusing, and we are wading through how he feels about me. He explained that he’s never been attracted to anyone until Derek and I. So he’s struggling with emotions he’s never felt before.”

She nods, her eyebrows knitting together. We are definitely an interesting group.

We finish out the session over the next few minutes, and I feel settled. I’m going to see where the rest of the day takes me, and if I end up jumping one of the guys, then that’s just what will happen.

Hanging up with the doctor, I giggle to myself. Setting the computer aside, I get up to find some food.

Who would have thought that therapy would make me hungry? Opening the door, I walk out, only to walk smack into someone.

“Oof,” I grunt, hands grabbing me to steady me.

“You good, Len?” Derek says, laughing.

Looking up at him, I shrug. “I am now,” I grin. “I’m starving though, and need carbs.”

He grins. “Hop aboard your chariot,” Derek teases, turning and hunching so I can jump up.

Shaking my head at his craziness, I leap up onto his back, grateful for the mobility.

He catches me, hiking me up so he can carry me comfortably.

“What kind of carbs are we talking about here?” he asks, nonchalantly navigating the stairs as if I’m not holding on like a spider monkey.

“Hmm. It’s almost dinner time. I would kill for some chicken fettuccine alfredo,” I groan, hiding my face in his neck.

Derek shivers, grunting. “I don’t think we need to go that far, baby girl. We’ll kill people another day. Let’s feed you instead.”

I shouldn’t like how easily he can talk about ending people’s lives, but instead his darkness brushes against mine, and it makes me sigh in happiness.

Derek walks us into the kitchen with a flourish, and I’m surprised to find it empty. It’s almost six in the evening, and usually someone is working on dinner at this time.

Oh well, I’ll put Derek to work helping me with my craving.

He carefully lets go of my legs so I’ll slide down, and my bare feet hit the tile softly.

“Want to help me make this?” I ask, already walking towards the pantry.

Derek grins, nodding, and soon we’re working together easily. I know how to cook, I just don’t often do it since Roark loves to feed us all.

Roark and Turner are sweaty and laughing when they come into the room. I giggle, watching them as I stir my sauce. I’d think they’d had some fun together, except they’re wearing tennis shoes.

“Did you go for a run?” I ask with a smile.

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